Fast Destroyers.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7898, 14 August 1905, Page 4

Fast Destroyers.

Wc believe, says Engineering, that in the experimental destroyer about to be ordered by the Admiralty, a speed of 36 knots is anticipated. This is an unprecedented high rate to be specified ; and although statements have time and again been made of such a rate being approachable with small craft awl by vessels of tnc torpedo type, it had' never been attained under the conditions which are aimed at by the Admiralty. The most severe condition—and one which will establish a great advance—has reference to the load \to be carried. While firms will have a free hand in design, it will be,.stipulated that the vessels must,on their extended 36-knot trial, carry a load of fuel to enable tliem to steam at this rate tor eight hours. This is a more severe condition than has yet been exacted, and its realisation will undoubtedly be a triumph for British marine construction. Of course, turbine machinery must be adopted, along with express boilers, and ■ these latter will be worked under high pressure with oil fuel. The other five vessels arc to be of 33 knots speed ; and here the same conditions will require to be met ias regards load, etc., so that these vessels will mark a very considerable advance on the 30-knot boats built two or three years ago. !t is anticipated that, while the length will not be greatly increased, the displacement will l>e quadrupled and the power trebled, making it between 15,000 and 18,000 indicated horse power. In this determination to Increase the speed of these vessels one recognises the value of tho research of tin; destroyer committee, over which Admiral Fitzgerald presided. This committee undoubtedly established that- the 30-knot boats built a few years ago, were a adely there was no need to forfeit in any pari Hie esse'ntial element of speed, in order to increase the scantlings, since such increase was practically unnecessary. It would fce remembered that the Admiralty, nc doubt as a consequence of the unfortunate accident to one of the destroyers, introduced a new type 0 i craft, in which the- strength was greatly increased in combination with a larger coal capacity, giving a wider and more reliable range of action ; but' the reduction in spmi !i, 25| knots was regarded as too great a price. The decision to make the ■icw vessel of knots speed, with an equally satisfactory radious oi action, will be welcomed, as it will enable the vessels to combat any foe o. equal power of attack, or to run awav from a superior force. The oidcrs for the ten coastal destroyns have already been placed